Mohammad Rafi

He is the king of Indian playback singing. Mohammad Rafi was the most popular male singer in India along with Kishore Kumar and Mukesh. His name would be taken first when it comes to Indian singing. Although the veteran singer is not present today, he is still popular. He is alive with his singing. His hundreds of songs are still entertaining the world.

During his days he was voice behind many lead actors like Raaj Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Biswajeet, and Joy Mukherjee. He was expert in singing in any style for any actor. Voice of Rafisaab had tremendous range. He was able to sing a classical, lively or a sad song with ease. Many experts think that it's not the singers range or ability to sing different kinds of films, but it's the voice quality which matters. And Rahisaab had the voice quality which can fit for any kind of song. Many actors get famous with the songs which were sung by Rafi.

Mohammad Rafi born on 24 December 1924 in Kotta Sultansingh in Punjab. The village right now is part of Pakistan. When he was 14, he shifted to Lahore where he learnt music under the guidance of three biggies Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan, Jeevanlal Matto and Khan Abdul Waheed Khan.

Rafi made his debut as playback singer with the Punjabi film Gul Baloch in 1944. For the film he sung a duet 'Soniye Ni Heeriye Ni' with Zeenat Begum, which was composed by Shyamsunder. Rafisaab moved to Mumbai in 1944, where he got his break with Naushad in Pehle Aap. He got his first real break with Jugnu (1947). In this film he sang the duet 'Yahaan Badla Wafaa Ka' along with Noor Jehan. But the song which really made him popular was 'Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki' from film Dulari(1949). Since then Rafi never turned back and ruled the industry with his melodious voice.

Homi Wadia of Wadia Movietone get impressed by Rafi's singing talent and offered him to sing for his film Sharbati Ankhen. Music to the film was given by music director Feroz Nizami.

Rafisaab's career found a slight twist during the late 60s and the early 70s when another singer Kishore Kumar was making his good. But soon Rafi get over of it and given hits in films like Hum Kisise Kam Nahin, Karz, Sargam, and Poonam. His other hit films include Dulari, Baiju Bawra, Dosti, Aar Paar, Hum Dono, Barsat Ki Raat, Shaheed, Teesri Manzil, Pyasa, and Ek Musafir Ek Haseena.
Despite being a popular singer, Mohammad Rafi remained humble and good at heart. Sometimes he never charged fees when the music director was not able to pay his regular charges. One thing also famous about Rafisaab is that he can sing alcoholic songs like 'Din Dhal Jaaye' and 'Choo Lenedo Nazuk Hothon Ko' without drinking it. Rafisaab never touched alcohol in his life.

Mohammad Rafi had won six Filmfare Awards in his career. He was also honored with the Padmashri Award from Indian Government. The legendary singer left the world on 31st July 1980. He was just in his fifties when he died. Rafisaab died due to a massive heart attack.